James Evans, Rob Haworth and Adrian Toppin all went close for the Blues in the opening period but without success.

On 43 minutes, one of the rare attacks by the home side resulted in Blues’ goalkeeper Stuart MacKenzie fouling Barry Stevens just outside the area and Matt Howard’s free kick was driven firmly into the corner of the net for the opening goal.

The Blues continued to attack at the start of the second half but had to wait until the 69th minute to level when Daly headed Ian Batten’s cross past Garrard.

Daly thought he had given the Police the lead soon after, only for his goal to be ruled out for offside.

Then, with just two minutes remaining, Croydon Athletic were awarded a penalty when Simon Gregory was adjudged to have pulled Barry Steven’s shirt.

Worse still, Gregory and Adrian Toppin were sent off for disputing the decision before Croydon’s Tyrone Myton gave his side victory from the penalty spot.